As an integral part of the Canadian Search and Rescue (SAR) System, the mission of Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) is to save lives on the water. Our 1,000 plus members strive daily to provide world-class marine SAR and boating safety services.
RCM-SAR operates under the following values:
- Save 100% of lives at risk;
- Reduce the number and severity of SAR incidents;
- Promote water safety;
- Partner with Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada and other SAR boating safety organizations;
- Provide a humanitarian service;
- Maintain the highest professional standards;
- Promote dedication and pride of membership.
Introduction
Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) is a volunteer organization of over 1000 people from many backgrounds who give up a great deal of their own time to train, be trained, and be on standby, in case they are needed to respond to a marine emergency on the water. These volunteers have the use of modern, well-equipped rescue vessels that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Our volunteers are spread throughout 46 stations in British Columbia. The funding for the rescue vessels as well as the crews’ equipment and safety gear is provided to a large degree by B.C. Gaming, as well as through significant corporate contributions, legacies, private donations and fundraising. Many thanks goes to these contributors.
RCM-SAR’s area of operations is based on the Pacific coast of British Columbia which has more than 27,000 kilometres of rugged coastline, over 6,000 islands (most uninhabited), and approximately 450,000 square kilometres of internal and offshore waters. It is a challenge to provide search and rescue response capability to such a large area, and our unpaid professionals meet the challenge to assist those in peril on the sea with determination and pride.
Praise & Recognition
Our volunteers are recognized for their strong sense of professionalism and dedication.
Words of praise for RCM-SAR:
The Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment & Member of Parliament (Victoria):
Your commitment is known and understood by all from your participation in RCM-SAR. For 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, you accept a duty to stop what you are doing, leave your homes and offices, venture out in inclement weather and on to difficult waters to save the life of anyone, a neighbour, a friend, a complete stranger. Such unselfish actions demonstrate a commitment not only to the Coast Guard, but also to your community, to the province and the country and most importantly to humanity.
As one of many who frequently enjoys the lakes and coastal waters of British Columbia, I add my voice to the chorus and say thank you for your efforts and dedication.
The Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) Victoria coordinates Search and Rescue resources when an incident occurs:
Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) is an extremely valuable resource to the safety network as their vessels and crews are community-based and distributed all along the West Coast. Although they are volunteers, the RCM-SAR are trained and equipped to respond effectively to a wide variety of missions in challenging conditions. Their presence enables a much faster and more comprehensive response than would otherwise be possible if only federal resources were employed.
Commodore Bill Hauger, District 13 US Coast Guard Auxiliary (Pacific Northwest):
District 13 is appreciative of our friends to the North. We enjoy our friendship with you, but we also watch carefully how you accomplish your missions. We admire you and the work you do; we are proud of you and your devotion to Boating Safety.
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